Best 10 Backpacking Pads Of 2024

It is very important to get a good night’s sleep when you are on your backpacking trip. A good night’s sleep will allow people to replenish their energy and have more energy to hike in the morning. A very good backpacking pad will allow the user to get very comfortable at night. Backpacking pads provide warmth, comfort and cushion from the cold ground. There are many pads to choose from. I have listed a few backpacking pads that are amazing that you should take a look at. A lot of people are satisfied with the sleeping pads below, I am certain it will be the same for you also.

Best Backpacking Pads – Quick Chart

How To Choose A Backpacking Pad

Types Of Backpacking Pads

Self-Inflating

Self-inflating pads are very popular right now. They are very good for backpacking purposes because they are very light in weight, they provide comfort and they are also very compact. There are a lot of pads to choose from. I love that these pads are very easy to carry and transport.

Closed Cell Foam

Closed cell foam pads are pads that are not breathable or they do not let air pass through. A good example of this is a yoga mat. A yoga mat is very comfortable, easy to carry and can roll up to minimize its size. Closed cell foam pads come in different designs, shapes and sizes.

Open Cell Foam

Open cell foam pads are memory foam pads. These beds are very comfortable but they are not very compact. They tend to retain their shape which makes them a little harder to carry. They often cannot be rolled to minimize the size or even if you managed to roll the item, the bed will still be very bulky.

Air Mattress With A Pump

There beds are meant for car camping or RV camping since these beds are very heavy. When you inflate these beds, they tend to be very large. They are not good for backpacking but they offer a lot of comfort. It is very comfortable to sleep on one of these beds which makes them ideal for car camping.

Hammock Pads

There are not a lot of hammock pads. You can tell that the item or pad is meant for a hammock if you see wings or rails built onto them. Hammock pads are not that popular and they tend to be very expensive at the moment.

Outdoor Activity Considerations

Car Camping / RV camping

People that are planning on car camping can get bulkier and heavier backpacking beds and mattresses. Since you do not need to carry the items to a camp site that is very far away, you can use beds that are very heavy. You have more options on what gear you can bring to your camping trip or camping experience.

Backpacking

For people who are not planning on hiking for a lot of miles but just planning on backpacking a few miles off the parking lot then getting an open cell foam pad will be a good idea. These pads are very comfortable and since you do not need to walk very far, it is worth it to bring them to your backpacking trip.

Minimalist Backpacking

Most people that are minimalist backpackers will often carry a self-inflating pad. These pads are very lightweight and they do not take a lot of backpack space. These pads are perfect for people who are going to be hiking for a lot of miles in multiple days. There are lots of designs and options to choose from as well.

Winter Camping

People that are planning on going camping during the winter will have to think about insulation and the R-value of the pad. In the winter, the ground is very cold and they tend to take away all of the heat from the body which is why we need pads to keep the body off the ground. A lot of people will often bring a closed cell foam pad with an inflatable pad to shield themselves from the ground.

Understanding R-Value And Insulation

The higher the R-value, the better the pad is. R-value is the rating of how much the bed can resist the cold. If you are planning on going backpacking, or sleeping in the outdoors, you will want a sleeping pad with a very high R-value to keep yourself warm and comfortable.

Backpacking Pad Features We Should Consider

Weight

The weight of the backpacking sleeping pad matters. There are a lot of camping sleeping pads that are available. However, some are really heavy. You cannot use those items. The sleeping pad has to be lightweight because you are going to carry it for a couple of miles and some of us carry our gear for a lot of miles. So the weight of the sleeping pad is very important. I recommend the weight to be around 1 pound if you are new to backpacking.

Durability

The durability of the backpacking pad is very important also. Some items just break apart after sleeping on them once. There are sleeping pads like that. If you ever get one, you should return it. You are going to waste a lot of time, effort, and you may even end up paying for shipping. I highly recommend that you do your research first and get something durable.

Easy To Setup

The sleeping pads should be easy to setup. The easier they are to setup the better. If it is an inflatable bed, the inflation and deflation should be easy and straight forward. There are a lot of easy inflatable beds that only take 10 to 15 puffs. We should always look at how easy it is to setup the sleeping. If it is too complicated or too time consuming, you will be better off with something better.

Easy To Carry

The sleeping pad should be easy to carry. It should be compact and does not take too much space in the backpack. We have other things we want to bring and other backpacking gear that are also very important. We need to make space in our backpacks for a lot of stuff. It is best that the sleeping pad is foldable, or compact or packable.

Comfortable

Of course, we need to look at comfort also. If you are very new, sleeping pads are not as comfortable as our mattress at home. However, they can be very comfortable. You may want to carry 1 pound heavier sleeping pads if you want more comfort. Sleeping better at night is much more important sometimes. You will enjoy the next morning more and a lot better if you have a good night’s rest.

Backpacking Pad Accessories

Rails / Wings

There are a few backpacking pads that have rails and wings. If you plan on sleeping on a hammock, then these pads are a great choice. If you move a lot while sleeping, then I highly recommend these pads as well.

Pillows

If you cannot sleep without a pillow, then I recommend getting one that is meant for backpacking. There are lots of lightweight and compact pillows that are available. They are not as comfortable as the pillows we often use at home but they still provide a lot of comfort.

Air Pumps

If you do not like the air pump that came with the sleeping pad, then you can always get another air pump that has a lot more power. There are a lot that is available right now. Most outdoor companies that specializes in backpacking beds will often have one.

Patches

Accidents can happen while you are in a backpacking trip. Your backpacking pad can get a hole or puncture due to small branches, twigs and so on. You can just get patches to repair your backpacking pad instead of getting a new one.

Best Backpacking Pads

Here are some amazing backpacking pads that are very lightweight and comfortable. All product links are affiliate links.

1. Klymit Static V Lightweight Sleeping Pad

Technical Specs
Weight: 18.6 Ounces
Material: 75D Polyester
Inflation: 10-15 breaths
Packed Size: 3″ x 8″
Feature Summary: Affordable lightweight camping pad with v-chamber design to limit air movement and heat loss for better support and comfort, easy-to-use push valve allows for quick inflation and deflation

Short Review: You will definitely like and use this backpacking pad at all times. This is constructed out of sturdy 75D polyester fabric designed to stand up to any surface you decide to set it on. This is very lightweight with considerably less than other air mattresses and self-inflating pads of the same size, thickness and R-Value. This features body mapping tech that is specially developed V-shaped design delivers superior support and comfort no matter how you sleep. This is a very versatile item to have for the outdoors and very affordable as well. I love this item a lot. I have been using it for quite some time. It can provide a comfortable place to sleep.

2. Sleepingo Camping Sleeping Pad

Technical Specs
Weight: 14.5 oz
Material: 20D Ripstop tear resistant nylon
Inflation: 10-to-15 breaths
Packed Size:
Feature Summary: Super sturdy and extremely comfortable, great for any sleep position, tough, durable, large and comfy sleeping pad features a lifetime warranty, lightweight sleeping pad is made of super strong waterproof and camping grade ripstop nylon fabric

Short Review: There are a lot of consumers who love this backpacking sleeping pad. This tear resistant with heavy duty ripstop nylon fabric is very lightweight and amazing. This comes with 20 denier thickness, this sleeping pad is designed to last a lifetime in the most severe conditions. This is constructed out of strongest outdoor-grade material, this sleeping pad is perfect for any weather conditions. The thing is that there is not a great deal to say besides you will really like this item a whole lot also. This comfortable item is easy to sleep with which is why I love to recommend it. It is true, there are a great deal of things I like relating to this high quality item and I know that you will really like this too.

3. OutdoorsmanLab Ultralight Sleeping Pad

Technical Specs
Weight: 16 oz
Material: 20D Ripstop Woven Nylon
Inflation: 10-15 breaths
Packed Size: 8″ x 3.5″
Feature Summary: Ultralight sleeping pad can roll up to 8×3 and weighs only 14.5oz – similar to a water bottle, perfect for backpackers who want to pack light and compact, R-value of 2.2, you can stay nice and toasty camping out in temps all the way down to 40 F (4 C)

Short Review: This lightweight sleeping pad is one of the greatest that you will discover in the Internet. This expands to a large area of around 73 x 22 and has an optimal thickness of 2.2 inches which provides lots of comfort to the individual. This features an R-value of 2.2, you can stay nice and toasty camping out in temps all the way down to 40 F (4 C). The company and people who designed this item are amazing. This is made of high quality materials and has a lot of consumer feedback stating that this is extremely resilient. This is a very versatile item to have for the outdoors and this is very well constructed.

4. Gear Doctors Self Inflating Sleeping Pad

Technical Specs
Weight: 2.2 Pounds
Material: Polyester, Foam
Inflation: Self-inflating
Packed Size: 8″ x 12″
Feature Summary: Specialized thermo-insulation 4.3 r-value foam of our fully self-inflating compact sleeping pad units, inflating and deflating our sleeping pads is as easy as 1-2-3, twist the pad’s leak-proof valve and unroll your pad, air starts filling up the pad’s open cell foam

Short Review: I just love this backpacking sleeping pad for the reason that it is extraordinary. This comes with a specialized thermo-insulation 4.3 R-value foam of our fully self-inflating compact sleeping pad units. This fully inflate to a hefty and comfortable 72 inch by 22 inch which is large enough for most people. The simple fact that this is really high quality should give people a large amount of peace of mind that they are acquiring a very good item. This item has such an awesome design that I do not mind recommending it to anyone. Compact design makes this very desirable because we need all the space in our backpacks. I know that you will like this item and I find this item to be very impressive.

5. MEETPEAK Camping Sleeping Pad

Technical Specs
Weight: 1.76 Pounds
Material: 40d Nylon
Inflation: Built-in Pump
Packed Size: 11.81″ x 5.51″
Feature Summary: V shape air cells ergonomically support all of your pressure points, no matter lying flat or on side, sleeping pad made of extra thick non-toxic 40d nylon provides a unique balance between low weight & durability

Short Review: I have been testing a great deal of backpacking pads, and this is pretty good. This keeps the body away from the ground and insulating the coldness, ensuring maximum comfort and warm for people’s sleep all night long. This features thermoform sealing and TPU coating make the camping mat performance better in severe conditions. I am grateful that I was able to find this. The low price tag is amazing. This is one of the finest that is available right now and I find this item to be extremely amazing. I love that the company made this item very light so that we can carry more items. This is a multipurpose outdoor item which I highly recommend.

6. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Ultralight Backpacking Air Mattress

Technical Specs
Weight: 8 oz to 1 lbs, variable sizes
Material: 30D rip HT nylon
Inflation: Self inflating
Packed Size: 9″ x 4″
Feature Summary: Equipped with a dependable and rugged winglock valve, the pad inflates 3 times faster than a standard valve and features lightning-fast deflation, 4.2 r-value means the xlite can keep backpackers and campers warm

Short Review: There are a lot of people that ordered this backpacking pad due to the fact this is unbelievable. This is three-season backpacking, mountaineering, and camping sleeping pad. This is designed specifically for adding a padded layer of warmth and insulation between sleeping bag and ground in alpine conditions. This features a standard valve, or equipped with the WingLock Valve which is able to inflate a pad three times faster than a standard valve thanks to a larger barrel and optional one-way inflation. This amazing company manufactured another awesome item and I know that you will find this awesome as well. This is very lightweight which allows us to carry more items like accessories or emergency supplies. This is great for the outdoors and performs very well and makes sleeping on the ground or wilderness a lot more comfortable.

7. EcoTek Outdoors Hybern8 Ultralight Inflatable Sleeping Pad

Technical Specs
Weight: 18.0 oz
Material: 70D woven polyester material
Inflation: 10-15 breaths
Packed Size: 10″ x 3″
Feature Summary: Innovative rapid one-way valve design makes both setup and stow a breeze , with 2.5 inches of loft and an r value of 2.2, the hybern8 provides 3 season warmth and comfort you can count on to help get you the shuteye you deserve

Short Review: I love this sleeping pad a lot and I know you will also. This is engineered to keep people comfortable whether they are in a tent or lounging in a hammock. This features patent-pending FlexCell construction utilizes self-isolating baffles that trap air and provide support for all your pressure points while reducing convective heat loss. The beautiful and functional design is one of the factors why this item has a lot of positive customer feedback. One of the best items to have for outdoor purposes which is why I highly recommend this. This is one of the greatest items I have ever tried and plenty of people think the same way too.

8. IFoRRest Sleeping Pad – with Armrest & Pillow

Technical Specs
Weight: 2.3 lbs
Material: Waterproof 190T Polyester
Inflation: Self inflating
Packed Size: 17.70″ x 6.30″ x 6.30″
Feature Summary: This camping foam air mattress is made of strong waterproof 80d polyester, will protect you from the wet rough ground in all extreme conditions, a true 4-season camp bed with an R-value of 4.9

Short Review: If you get hold of this sleeping pad for the outdoors, you’ll be astonished at how amazing this is. This has built-in armrests and an ergonomic pillow for additional comfort and support. This is constructed out of highest quality durable and waterproof 80D Polyester, this sleeping pad is strong and rugged yet soft and comfortable. If you want provide a comfortable place to sleep then this is perfect unless you like wasting money. It is pretty difficult to make an error with your internet shopping if the item has a great deal of positive customer reviews. The comfort that this brings is amazing that people can get excited sleeping with this. Amazing item for the outdoors.

9. Ultralight 17oz Camping Sleeping pad- Gear Doctors ApolloAir

Technical Specs
Weight: 17 oz
Material: Nylon
Inflation: Pump Sack
Packed Size:
Feature Summary: Silent ergonomic design with 5.2 R-rating, 4 step anti leak valve system, to store just vertically trifold it after deflation then roll towards the valve direction and it’ll perfectly fit into it’s carry pouch, water-resistant hexagon shield 40d nylon fabric with e-last coating makes Apolloair camping mattress 2.5 x times stronger than current market standards

Short Review: This outdoor sleeping pad is exceptional and I know you will like it when you try it. This is 2.5 x times stronger than current market standards without sacrificing the weight which makes it perfect for any outdoors environment. This has 3.2” horizontal insulating air chambers will effectively distribute your weight on the sleeping pad while preventing the ground from sucking the heat out of your body. The design of this sleeping pad makes it useful as well as awesome at the same time. There are a whole lot of things to consider and one of those things is the design of the item. Intuitive design allows this item to be very easy to setup and no hassle at all. This is a pretty good item for the outdoors and this is very multipurpose as well.

10. Trekology UL Sleeping Pad

Technical Specs
Weight: 1.19 Pounds
Material: 40D Nylon
Inflation: Blow air or electric pump (not included)
Packed Size: 7.3″ x 4.7″
Feature Summary: Stay warm and comfortable from cold, wet, and uneven camp floor, larger valve opening for faster inflation and deflation, upgraded 40d material making it super light and ultra durable

Short Review: I am constantly impressed simply because this sleeping pad for camping continue to satisfy lots of people. Trekology produce pretty good items with a low selling price. This has an R value at 1.6, this pad is great for 3-season camping. This has strong and durable 40D nylon with a premium water-resistant coating. The weight of this is very light so we can carry more items. This is a multipurpose outdoor item that is also very affordable. I cannot ask for anything less costly that can match the quality of this item. This is a high quality item that I know you will definitely like.